Here it comes, my last post of 2019, and as usual, I will be honoring and commemorating actors and actresses who are close to my heart in the different works that they've done.
Carol Channing: Actress
January 31st, 1921 - January 15th, 2019
Who could ever forget her? I love seeing her in the movie Thoroughly Modern Millie (1967) (that movie is weird, but she is the best part about it) and I love hearing her voice in the movie Thumbelina (1994). Listening to her singing songs from Hello Dolly! is a joy. As soon as you hear her, you know that it is Carol Channing.
Albert Finney: Actor
May 9th, 1936 - February 7th, 2019
I was first introduced to Albert Finney in his role as Daddy Warbucks in Annie (1982). He plays Scrooge in one of my favorite versions of A Christmas Carol, the musical Scrooge (1970), but by far my favorite role of his is John Newton in Amazing Grace (2006). That is one of my favorite movies ever, and his lines are so powerful and amazing, no one else could have done it. I'm sad to see him go, but I am going to watch the movie Big Fish (2003) that has him soon, and I am looking forward to his performance.
Stanley Donen: Director
April 13th, 1924 - February 21st, 2019
I have to credit Mr. Donen here because he directed my favorite movie of all time, Singin' in the Rain (1952). Seriously, I love that movie so much, and it couldn't have happened without him. Other movies of his that I have seen are On The Town (1949) and Royal Wedding (1951). They have all been enjoyable, and looking at a list of all the movies he worked on I am looking forward to those that I haven't seen yet.
Peter Mayhew: Actor
May 19th, 1944 - April 30th, 2019
Ah, this is the man who played the famous Chewbacca. Star Wars is one of my favorite things, and Chewy is one of my favorite characters. Catherine Hawthorn and I already co-wrote a memorial post for him back on May 4th, which you can check out HERE.
Doris Day: Actress and Singer
April 3rd, 1922 - May 13th, 2019
I have not seen many things featuring her, but each one I have seen has been a treat! I first saw her in By the Light of the Silvery Moon (1953) which is very sweet and cute, but my favorite of hers has to be The Man Who Knew Too Much (1956). She and Jimmy Stewart were brilliant together, but the highlight of the movie is her singing the Academy Award Winning song, "Que Sera Sera". My grandmother always used to say that to me, and to finally see that movie in 2018 was very special.
Cameron Boyce: Actor
May 28th, 1999 - July 6th, 2019
It was sad to hear that he died due to health complications when he was so young. I never watched any of the TV shows featuring him, but I really liked seeing him in the Descendants movies as Carlos. When I read the book The Isle of the Lost this year, I see how perfectly he played him.
I'm sad to know that all of these people won't be with us any more, but I have enjoyed being able to see their movies.
That's all for me in 2019, and this decade, I am looking forward to what is to come in 2020!
For my movie review today, I am going to review one of my favorite movies of all time! This movie has everything, it is inspirational, hopeful, beautiful, and it has an all star cast. If you haven't seen this movie, you really need to!
This review is spoiler free, because: My guarantee: On ALL of my reviews there are NO spoilers unless I give you warning.
Presenting:
Amazing Grace (2006):
Based on: The true story:
'"It will soon change."
"Only if we change it."'
When in Parliament, there are many different things to think about, and William Wilberforce has become aware of the slave trade. He knows that it is a terrible thing, but isn't sure if he can stop it. His heart sings the song that his old preacher, John Newton, wrote. John was the captain of slave ships for many years, but finally repented, turned to God, and wrote the song "Amazing Grace". It would be a lot of work, and William doesn't know if he is strong enough. With the sides of Parliament against him, will he persevere or will the fight be too much to bear?
"Do you intend to use your beautiful voice to praise the Lord, or change the world?"
Genre: Biography, Period Drama.
Length: approx. 116 minutes.
Costumes: 10! They are all perfect.
My favorite: I know that whenever you see pictures from this movie, this one is featured, but look at that hat! It is pretty impressive.
Script: 8, they use the Lord's name in vain a few times (but honestly, it's what they did in those days.) They also call people bad names, but it is seen in a bad light.
"The water has been here a thousand years, how can we be late?"
Crew:
Directed by: Michael Apted.
Written by: Steven Knight.
Starring:
Ioan Gruffudd as William Wilberforce. "You're waking me up to give me medicine, to help me sleep?"
Romola Garai as Barbara Spooner.
Benedict Cumberbatch as William Pitt the Younger.
Michael Gambon as Charles James Fox.
Rufus Sewell as Thomas Clarkson.
Youssou N'Dour as Olaudah Equiano. "Your life is a thread, either it breaks or it doesn't."
Albert Finney as John Newton. "I don't hear the nib scratching the paper."
Ciarán Hinds as Banastre Tarleton.
Toby Jones as William, Duke of Clarence.
Nicholas Farrell as Henry Thornton.
Sylvestra Le Touzel as Marianne Thornton.
Jeremy Swift as Richard the Butler.
Stephen Campbell Moore as James Stephen.
Bill Paterson as Henry Dundas.
Nicholas Day as Sir William Dolben.
Georgie Glen as Hannah More.
Cinematography: 10! Oh, I love it! I love the scenes in nature and how it focuses on different people.
Cinematography by: Remi Adefarasin.
Music: 10, it has a lovely score, and of course, the song "Amazing Grace".
Music by: David Arnold.
Quotes: 10! I seriously could just type out the whole movie, it is that quotable. The only reason I didn't is because I ran out of room.
"Why is it you only feel the thorns in your feet when you stop running?"
Oscars won: None! They weren't even nominated for anything, but I really think they should have won as many as possible.
Storyline: 10. I feel like I haven't been the best explaining the reasons for this category. One day I'll do a post on it. Anyway, there is slavery, drinking, suggestive things, taking drugs, BUT they are all shown as bad things and are trying to get rid of them. It also has someone who has lost fingers, but it's only me who gets freaked out by that.
"If you make the world better in one way, it becomes better in many ways."
Good For: Everyone!
Age Range: I watched it when I was really little, and I was very confused. I had a feeling that it was an amazing movie, but I just didn't understand. But, I'd say that anyone who is over 10 would understand.
"Remember that God made all men equal."
Overall Score: 9.5!!
Bonus thoughts:
Oh, what a wonderful film. The all-star cast is amazing. This is the only thing that I have seen Ioan Gruffudd and Romola Garai in, but they are wonderful. I have seen Michael Gambon, Albert Finney, and Benedict Cumberbatch in other things, but these are my favorite roles for all of them. I also have only ever seen Rufus Sewell as a villain, but he does such a good job here!
Now, this movie also has such powerful religious messages.
'"You found God, sir?"
"I think He found me."'
William Wilberforce is thinking about going into the church, but all of his friends are trying to convince him to stay in Parliament. This is actually something that has been on my mind recently, so it was wonderful to once again watch it play out.
This line that Albert Finney says as John Newton is so powerful (he should have won an Oscar), that I always cry:
"Although my memory's fading, I remember two things very clearly:
I'm a great sinner and Christ is a great Savior."
I cannot tell you enough times to watch it if you haven't. Go! Now! You'll thank me!
Thanks for reading! Please tell me I'm not the only person who has seen this. MovieCritic
